Windows 7 - The successor to Windows Vista

[ThePole]

i'm more interested in what programming API that came with Windows 7...

[SkY]

i have been testing this for 2weeks now, compare to xp and vista. seems better.

 

faster and more reponsive but i had some concerns with application compatibily like sep11 , etc.

[vincekam]

May I suggest you install Virtual Windows XP mode on your Vista.

I am running it in office with WIN7 using lan line.

 

Virtual PC running XP mode and surf net, personal emails, iTunes radio, watch movies using wireless line.

 

Give it a try.. no worries about compatibility applications anymore.

 

Cheers!

i have been testing this for 2weeks now, compare to xp and vista. seems better.

 

faster and more reponsive but i had some concerns with application compatibily like sep11 , etc.

[jtzx]

GOnna change to windows 7 the moment it release on oct 2009

[redbeacon]

Windows 7 strong, but don't pay to upgrade

 

By PETER SVENSSON (AP) – 2 days ago

 

source

 

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/1738/newwindows7logodesign2.jpg

 

NEW YORK — Next week, Microsoft is releasing Windows 7, a slick, much improved operating system that should go a long way toward erasing the bad impression left by its previous effort, Vista.

 

If you've been holding off on buying a new computer, Windows 7 will be a good excuse to get back into the game. And if you've been weighing a Mac versus a Windows PC, then you should know that "7" makes Windows more attractive, though not a clear-cut choice for everyone. Windows is now easier to use and better looking than it was before, while maintaining its core advantage of cheaper, more diverse hardware.

 

However, most PC users should not take the release of Windows 7 as a call to action, or feel that they have to run out and buy the software for use on a computer they're planning on keeping. The upgrade will most likely not be worth the time or money, much less the effort of hosting a Windows 7 "launch party" as Microsoft suggests.

 

Windows 7 will come in several versions. The one aimed at U.S. consumers is Home Premium, which will cost $120 if bought as an upgrade to XP or Vista. You can buy it as a download or on a disc. Beginning on Oct. 22, it will come installed on new PCs.

 

Here are some of its highlights:

 

- The taskbar — the strip of icons usually found at the bottom of the screen — now does more than show which programs are running. You can also stick icons for your favorite programs on it, to launch them quickly. It's fast and convenient, combining the best features of the old Windows taskbar and Apple's Dock.

 

- The 'Library' concept - File folders can now be organized into "libraries." You can have a photo library, for instance, that gives you quick access to pictures in folders spread out over your hard drive, or even several hard drives. This is great because many applications don't automatically put files into Microsoft's My Documents and My Photos folders, and tend to deposit content in their own folders. The new arrangement also makes for easy backups.

 

- Modifications to the User Account Control (UAC) - Like Vista, Windows 7 will ask you twice if you really want to make changes to your settings or install programs, for the sake of security. But Windows 7 does it less often, and the prompts can be turned off.

 

- Multi-finger gesture support on touchpads - Windows 7 can sense if you use more than one finger on your touch pad or touch screen, allowing for neat tricks such as spreading your fingers to zoom into a picture, just like on the iPhone. This is isn't revolutionary per se — computer manufacturers have bolted multitouch sensing on previous versions of Windows. But it does make it easier for them to include advanced touch capabilities, and many of them are planning to do so. That is what could really revolutionize how we use computers. I've tried laptops and desktops with touch screens, and found it nice to be able to directly tap links and buttons, bypassing the touch pad and mouse.

 

- A 64-bit OS - For a lot of users, the step up to Windows 7 will also mark a transition to a 64-bit operating system. That means computers will now be able to use a lot more Random Access Memory, or RAM, for better performance in demanding applications such as video editing. Vista and XP came in 64-bit versions in addition to the regular 32-bit versions, but the XP version was never popular, and the Vista version became mainstream only last year. But 64 bits will be standard on Windows 7, installed on nearly all new computers.

 

Upgrading from XP? You need to reinstall all your applications after the upgrade.

 

Windows XP users have a lot more to gain by going to Windows 7. Vista introduced some great features, such as fast searches of the entire hard drive, that of course are present in 7 as well. Unfortunately, upgrading an existing PC from XP to 7 is not easy.

 

After upgrading, users will have to reinstall all their programs and find their files in the folder where Windows 7 tucks them away.

 

They may also have hardware problems. I found an old HP laser printer no longer worked with Windows 7. This isn't really Microsoft's fault or, specifically, a problem with the new operating system — HP just doesn't provide a 64-bit driver for that printer. A driver is a program that tells a piece of hardware how to work with an operating system.

 

If you do upgrade, I would still recommend tackling that transition head-on by installing the 64-bit version of Windows 7, which doesn't cost more. Microsoft recommends a minimum of 2 gigabytes of RAM to run it.

 

If your computer runs Windows Vista, I think it's hard to justify spending $120 for an upgrade. The new features are nice but hardly must-haves. For daily e-mail and Web surfing, they won't make much of a difference. Vista was much maligned when it arrived in early 2007 for being slow, buggy and annoying. Now, it really isn't that bad, because updates have fixed a lot of the problems.

 

However, if you bought a Vista-based computer after June 25, you should be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 7 from the manufacturer, and I suggest taking advantage of it. Your computer likely already is running 64-bit software, so there should be no problems with drivers, and the upgrade is much easier than one from XP. Windows 7 can keep your installed programs and your files in their old folders.

 

In weeks of testing the final version of Windows 7 on five computers, I encountered only one serious glitch. The backup function simply didn't work on one computer. The error message was obscure as always, and troubleshooting on Microsoft's Web site provided no solution. I ended up using third-party backup software. Given that regular backups are essential for a home computer, one can only hope that this will be an unusual problem that gets fixed promptly.

 

Another disappointment is that Windows 7 doesn't seem to improve boot-up times. In my tests, it took slightly longer to get going on Windows 7 than with XP or Vista on the same computer. I don't think this should be a major issue, though — instead of shutting your computer down, use "sleep mode" instead. This function has improved a lot since XP, and most computers take about 10 seconds to wake up.

 

Perhaps the most exciting thing about Windows 7 is that it's inspiring computer manufacturers to try new things, and reviving old ideas like touch-enabled "tablet" PCs. It's breathing new life into the computer market. It just won't do much for old clunkers.

[redbeacon]

Windows 7 arriving on Thursday

 

By PETER SVENSSON (AP) – 2 days ago

 

source

 

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/1738/newwindows7logodesign2.jpg

 

NEW YORK — Next week, Microsoft is releasing Windows 7, a slick, much improved operating system that should go a long way toward erasing the bad impression left by its previous effort, Vista.

 

If you've been holding off on buying a new computer, Windows 7 will be a good excuse to get back into the game. And if you've been weighing a Mac versus a Windows PC, then you should know that "7" makes Windows more attractive, though not a clear-cut choice for everyone. Windows is now easier to use and better looking than it was before, while maintaining its core advantage of cheaper, more diverse hardware.

 

However, most PC users should not take the release of Windows 7 as a call to action, or feel that they have to run out and buy the software for use on a computer they're planning on keeping. The upgrade will most likely not be worth the time or money, much less the effort of hosting a Windows 7 "launch party" as Microsoft suggests.

 

Windows 7 will come in several versions. The one aimed at U.S. consumers is Home Premium, which will cost $120 if bought as an upgrade to XP or Vista. You can buy it as a download or on a disc. Beginning on Oct. 22, it will come installed on new PCs.

 

Here are some of its highlights:

 

- The taskbar — the strip of icons usually found at the bottom of the screen — now does more than show which programs are running. You can also stick icons for your favorite programs on it, to launch them quickly. It's fast and convenient, combining the best features of the old Windows taskbar and Apple's Dock.

 

- The 'Library' concept - File folders can now be organized into "libraries." You can have a photo library, for instance, that gives you quick access to pictures in folders spread out over your hard drive, or even several hard drives. This is great because many applications don't automatically put files into Microsoft's My Documents and My Photos folders, and tend to deposit content in their own folders. The new arrangement also makes for easy backups.

 

- Modifications to the User Account Control (UAC) - Like Vista, Windows 7 will ask you twice if you really want to make changes to your settings or install programs, for the sake of security. But Windows 7 does it less often, and the prompts can be turned off.

 

- Multi-finger gesture support on touchpads - Windows 7 can sense if you use more than one finger on your touch pad or touch screen, allowing for neat tricks such as spreading your fingers to zoom into a picture, just like on the iPhone. This is isn't revolutionary per se — computer manufacturers have bolted multitouch sensing on previous versions of Windows. But it does make it easier for them to include advanced touch capabilities, and many of them are planning to do so. That is what could really revolutionize how we use computers. I've tried laptops and desktops with touch screens, and found it nice to be able to directly tap links and buttons, bypassing the touch pad and mouse.

 

- A 64-bit OS - For a lot of users, the step up to Windows 7 will also mark a transition to a 64-bit operating system. That means computers will now be able to use a lot more Random Access Memory, or RAM, for better performance in demanding applications such as video editing. Vista and XP came in 64-bit versions in addition to the regular 32-bit versions, but the XP version was never popular, and the Vista version became mainstream only last year. But 64 bits will be standard on Windows 7, installed on nearly all new computers.

 

Upgrading from XP? You need to reinstall all your applications after the upgrade.

 

Windows XP users have a lot more to gain by going to Windows 7. Vista introduced some great features, such as fast searches of the entire hard drive, that of course are present in 7 as well. Unfortunately, upgrading an existing PC from XP to 7 is not easy.

 

After upgrading, users will have to reinstall all their programs and find their files in the folder where Windows 7 tucks them away.

 

They may also have hardware problems. I found an old HP laser printer no longer worked with Windows 7. This isn't really Microsoft's fault or, specifically, a problem with the new operating system — HP just doesn't provide a 64-bit driver for that printer. A driver is a program that tells a piece of hardware how to work with an operating system.

 

If you do upgrade, I would still recommend tackling that transition head-on by installing the 64-bit version of Windows 7, which doesn't cost more. Microsoft recommends a minimum of 2 gigabytes of RAM to run it.

 

If your computer runs Windows Vista, I think it's hard to justify spending $120 for an upgrade. The new features are nice but hardly must-haves. For daily e-mail and Web surfing, they won't make much of a difference. Vista was much maligned when it arrived in early 2007 for being slow, buggy and annoying. Now, it really isn't that bad, because updates have fixed a lot of the problems.

 

However, if you bought a Vista-based computer after June 25, you should be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 7 from the manufacturer, and I suggest taking advantage of it. Your computer likely already is running 64-bit software, so there should be no problems with drivers, and the upgrade is much easier than one from XP. Windows 7 can keep your installed programs and your files in their old folders.

 

In weeks of testing the final version of Windows 7 on five computers, I encountered only one serious glitch. The backup function simply didn't work on one computer. The error message was obscure as always, and troubleshooting on Microsoft's Web site provided no solution. I ended up using third-party backup software. Given that regular backups are essential for a home computer, one can only hope that this will be an unusual problem that gets fixed promptly.

 

Another disappointment is that Windows 7 doesn't seem to improve boot-up times. In my tests, it took slightly longer to get going on Windows 7 than with XP or Vista on the same computer. I don't think this should be a major issue, though — instead of shutting your computer down, use "sleep mode" instead. This function has improved a lot since XP, and most computers take about 10 seconds to wake up.

 

Perhaps the most exciting thing about Windows 7 is that it's inspiring computer manufacturers to try new things, and reviving old ideas like touch-enabled "tablet" PCs. It's breathing new life into the computer market. It just won't do much for old clunkers.

[PaLmEr]

I attended the Microsoft Windows 7 talk a few days back at their offices in Singapore, would say that this is way better than Vista.

[lunloon]

anyone went to q?

[jtzx]

my School gives us free licences and Os ;-)

 

yes!

[Tequila]

I'm using a genuine Windows 7 Professional at the moment.

 

Previously was Vista, and, i should say, it's WAY better & lighter than Vista. Boot-up takes about 15 seconds(previously was approx 1.5 min or more), shutting down takes about 10 seconds(previously was approx 1 min or more).

 

Tested on 2.4GHz, 3GB ram.

[lunloon]

I'm using a genuine Windows 7 Professional at the moment.

 

Previously was Vista, and, i should say, it's WAY better & lighter than Vista. Boot-up takes about 15 seconds(previously was approx 1.5 min or more), shutting down takes about 10 seconds(previously was approx 1 min or more).

 

Tested on 2.4GHz, 3GB ram.

 

Are you part of the early birds or are you part of the MSDNAA/IEEE beneficiaries?

[redbeacon]

Windows 7 reaches Singapore's shores

 

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/6706/20091022124538win7launc.jpg

 

By Jasmine Osada

Photo: Jasmine Osada, AsiaOne

 

Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 7 was made available to Singapore consumers as of midnight on October 22.

 

Hundreds of people, some who came early in the afternoon, queued up last night at the Funan DigitaLife Mall to be among the first here to get the software.

 

First in line were couple Samuel Ng and Eileen Loke, both 22, who have waited for the midnight launch at the tech mall's Challenger superstore since 3.30pm.

 

Samuel and Eileen, who are also fans of Windows Vista, said they have looked forward to the Windows 7 launch since as early as last year.

 

Windows 7 is the latest Micrsoft operating system, which, according to Microsoft, was developed following the feedback of millions of users.

 

comes in three configurations: Home Premium ($359), Professional ($529) and Ultimate ($549). Each version has different features to cater to the needs of each consumer group.

 

(Price list for upgrade versions not confirmed, please head to the store to enquire)

[kmax]

WTF... people queue up to pay for windows ??? used vista unlimate a month ago but i had problem with VPN software.... finally gave up and back to crap vista..

[redbeacon]

WTF... people queue up to pay for windows ??? used vista unlimate a month ago but i had problem with VPN software.... finally gave up and back to crap vista..

Chill dude, perhaps there'll be one in the future that may fit your needs.

 

Let me treat you to this in the meantime:

 

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6957/bkposter09101402.jpg

 

That's 7 patties for the 7 iterations (Versions) of Windows over the years

[lunloon]

Can I post that Win 7 can be installed using Upgrade Retail Media by double installing over a new/zeroed HDD?

[chuan.z]

Am thinking of getting the Home Premium Upgrade Family Pack over from the states. At US$149 for 3 licenses, it's much more economical compared to local prices, even after factoring in shipping costs! Viable option?

[redbeacon]

Can I post that Win 7 can be installed using Upgrade Retail Media by double installing over a new/zeroed HDD?

Can.

 

It's Winblowz fault if they're inviting freebie installations this way

 

Am thinking of getting the Home Premium Upgrade Family Pack over from the states. At US$149 for 3 licenses, it's much more economical compared to local prices, even after factoring in shipping costs! Viable option?

 

I'd give that a try; it sounds like a good deal.

 

But do check to see if the online retailer imposes some sort of export restrictions. Don't wanna your package to be stuck halfway around the world.

[chuan.z]

I'd give that a try; it sounds like a good deal.

 

But do check to see if the online retailer imposes some sort of export restrictions. Don't wanna your package to be stuck halfway around the world.

 

I've placed the order through a concierge service to get it, coz the merchant I wanna order from only accept US cc. If the order clears, should not be a problem shipping it over, as the concierge service will reject items than cannot be exported. Will post result here when I have more updates.

 

Planning to get a new 500GB to do the upgrade also, as I dun wanna touch my existing HDD (running XP)... Will also post the outcome here, provided stage 1 goes through first

[redbeacon]

I've placed the order through a concierge service to get it, coz the merchant I wanna order from only accept US cc. If the order clears, should not be a problem shipping it over, as the concierge service will reject items than cannot be exported. Will post result here when I have more updates.

 

Planning to get a new 500GB to do the upgrade also, as I dun wanna touch my existing HDD (running XP)... Will also post the outcome here, provided stage 1 goes through first

I think I do know about a concierge service and I have one that has a concierge service as well...not too sure whether it's the same service that you're talking about.

 

Mine comes with T&C that prohibits the shipment of "reproductions of copyrighted publications"...a bit too general to be considering software as part of the T&C i'm guessing...?

 

Anyways, I was just digressing

[chuan.z]

I think I do know about a concierge service and I have one that has a concierge service as well...not too sure whether it's the same service that you're talking about.

 

Mine comes with T&C that prohibits the shipment of "reproductions of copyrighted publications"...a bit too general to be considering software as part of the T&C i'm guessing...?

 

Anyways, I was just digressing

 

Yup, should be the same, coz the T&C is familiar. B*, partner with C*, delivery via D*. Heh.

 

That clause seems to imply that they don't ship "copied" stuff, regardless whether you have the original copy or not (which technically can be argued as a backup copy). Genuine licensed software in retail box, barring any export restriction, should not be a concern.

 

Anyway, let's wait for the outcome. Now the concierge status is at "Checked and ready to charge consumer card". So far so good

[chuan.z]

Yup, should be the same, coz the T&C is familiar. B*, partner with C*, delivery via D*. Heh.

 

That clause seems to imply that they don't ship "copied" stuff, regardless whether you have the original copy or not (which technically can be argued as a backup copy). Genuine licensed software in retail box, barring any export restriction, should not be a concern.

 

Anyway, let's wait for the outcome. Now the concierge status is at "Checked and ready to charge consumer card". So far so good

 

Got a nice "Order cancelled by B*" status this morning. With no emails or any details given.

[MC28]

Luckily i would beable to get my Win7 Ultimate FOC...

 

The price i see are killers...

[chuan.z]

Luckily i would beable to get my Win7 Ultimate FOC...

 

The price i see are killers...

 

Good for ya...

 

I've contacted B*'s customer service, they claimed that the coupon code I supplied "has already been redeemed", so they cancelled my order.

My coupon code is 100% valid! wtf...

 

Update: Managed to place the order myself. Also gave the CSO a good "wash" regarding declaring my coupon code invalid. Scheduled delivery (to US address) 6 Nov.

Edited November 4, 2009 by chuan.z
Updated progress

[lunloon]

So who's on Win 7?

 

Just nice my HDD died, so a good time to go "Original".

 

Didn't do the upgrade trick though, went for Full Retail Ultimate version.

 

Frankly? It doesn't feel too much diff from Win Vista superficially, it's nice to have a tidy taskbar, and I can now place the gadgets anywhere on the desktop, used to be stuck in the sidebar.

 

Still playing in progress. See what fantastic stuff there are.

[chuan.z]

I'm on Win7, finally.

 

Spent a total of $180+ for the upgrade pack,

 

Done the installation on a spanking new HDD, and I'd say I'm impressed: the main system was up and running within 30 mins, with Windows Update all thrown in! Now I've skipped Vista and went straight from XP to Win7, so the interface still needs some getting used to. UAC was OK, nothing like the bad press that Vista received, to me it's just something like "sudo". Overall, I'm happy so far. Can't believe I'm saying this about "M$" software!

 

Well, I'm glad that they did put a lot of thought on the user experience and finally done something right about it.